We've used it for many years without wane and truly it's been a tremendous blessing for our family!
All of the kids down to our 2 year old earn sticks when we observe that they've exhibited selfless love or sacrificial behavior with a genuine heart. It's an honor to reward their kind actions. We display our Jesus Act Stick jars on a focal point table in our home where they can be visibly built into our daily life. I enjoy seeing with my eyes and allowing our children to notice tangibly the benefits of a loving heart. The jars serve as a reminder.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:
just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
John 13:34
We believe in the power of positive affirmation and encouragement and find that when we stop to point out our children's good fruit, they grow even more. Of course, parenting requires we also contend with the difficult, employ discipline when needed, and correct wrong behavior. But, when we emphasize the positive in others, we perpetuate more positive. Children and adults alike believe what's spoken into their lives (both positive and negative). This is why we are intentional to point out and reward Christlike actions with Jesus Act Sticks and one-on-one dates with Mom or Dad to follow.
Kids are built up and quality time memories are made...it's a win, win!
Here's to documenting just a bit of our Jesus Act Stick Dates...lately.
The kids tend to go back and forth between dates with Mom and dates with Dad. Brodie had some pretty fun dates this past week with his girls! First, he and Elka went for a long bike ride down at the beach (something that's not quite the same with all 10 of us!), then per her request they got smoothies and went for a swim. Mostly, Elka felt special which is what mattered most that day!
When it came time for Aida's date, she knew just what she'd always wanted to do... and it's a good thing her dad is one of the BEST sports we all know! He puts me to shame with his willing heart.
Who knew Aida had such a deep longing to rent a surrey with a fringe on top?!
Oh, the gleam in the eye of a lifelong dream come true...ha!
Plus, it's always fun to be a "tourist" is your own hometown every now and then.
After their buggy ride, they surfed for a bit which is always special one-on-one.
The day proved to provide fuel for both heart and soul all around.
Even when I'm the one back at home and not on the date,
my heart is always full when I know my loved ones are filling up with LOVE.
It's a joy to send them off!
How thankful we are for our Jesus Act Stick Dates.
We'll never forget them!
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:12-13
